Business Details
41 Years
experience
Expert Olive Oil Consulting & Education Services
At Strictly Olive Oil, we bring over 25 years of specialized expertise in olive oil marketing and quality assessment to producers and importers worldwide. Founded in 1985, our journey began with a mission to elevate consumer understanding of olive oil quality through innovative tasting programs. Since 2006, under Nancy Ash's leadership, we have expanded our focus to provide strategic consulting, sensory evaluation training, and educational initiatives that empower industry stakeholders. Our team's deep-rooted experience includes pioneering work with the California Olive Oil Council Taste Panel since 1998 and developing international market strategies for producers in Albania and Palestine through USAID and World Bank projects. We specialize in sensory analysis, flavor profiling, and private-label development, supported by certifications from the Organizzazione Nazionale Assaggiatori Olio di Oliva.Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our role as head judges for prestigious competitions like the California State Fair and Good Food Awards. We deliver tailored solutions for sales projections, packaging trends, and marketing collateral while maintaining active involvement in industry organizations such as Les Dames d'Escoffier and Slow Food East Bay. Our approach combines hands-on training with digital education platforms to meet evolving client needs. Recognized with the 2011 California Olive Oil Council Pioneer Award, we continue to shape industry standards through rigorous quality assessments and collaborative partnerships. Our work with AG Biolab for scientific analysis and our global network of industry connections ensure clients receive comprehensive, cutting-edge support.
Services
Sensory Evaluation
Business Development
Packaging Development
Tasting Classes
Quality Assessments
Market Strategies
Sales Projections
Recipe Development
Panel Training
Private Label Consulting
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of specialized olive oil industry expertise
- Our team includes certified international olive oil taste panel supervisors
- We provide science-backed sensory evaluation methodologies with AG Biolab
- Our global market strategies have benefited producers across four continents
- We combine hands-on training with digital education platforms
Associations and certifications
- Organizzazione Nazionale Assaggiatori Olio di Oliva (ONAOO)
Services
Sensory Evaluation
Our sensory evaluation service identifies olive oil flavor profiles through certified methodologies. We assess quality characteristics using international standards and collaborate with AG Biolab for scientific verification. This service helps producers create signature blends and maintain consistent quality across batches.
Business Development
We develop tailored business strategies including sales projections, packaging trends analysis, and marketing plans. Our industry reports provide insights into competitive pricing and category management to optimize market positioning for olive oil producers and importers.
Tasting Classes
Led by certified expert Nancy Ash, our tasting classes teach sensory assessment techniques to professionals and consumers. Participants learn to identify flavor profiles and connect theoretical knowledge with practical tasting experiences through in-person and online formats.
Quality Assessments
We conduct rigorous quality evaluations using standardized tasting panels and scientific analysis. Our assessments help producers maintain premium quality standards, identify improvement areas, and ensure consistency in private-label products for retailers.
Private Label Consulting
We assist retailers in developing private-label olive oil lines through flavor profiling, supplier selection, and quality control. Our services include taste panel training and category management to optimize product offerings for consumer markets.
People
Nancy Ash
President
Nancy Ash has over 25 years of specialty food marketing experience and leads sensory assessment classes globally. She serves on the California Olive Oil Council Taste Panel and received Italian certification for taste panel supervision. Recipient of the 2011 COOC Pioneer Award.
Questions
What consulting services do you offer for olive oil producers?
We provide sensory evaluation, business development strategies, packaging development, quality assessments, and private-label consulting tailored to olive oil producers' needs.
Do you offer educational classes for consumers?
Yes, we conduct olive oil tasting classes for consumers both in-person and online, focusing on sensory assessment and flavor profile identification.
What makes your team qualified for olive oil consulting?
Our team includes certified international taste panel supervisors with 25+ years of industry experience and participation in major olive oil competitions.
Can you help with private-label olive oil development?
Yes, we assist retailers in creating private-label lines through flavor profiling, supplier selection, and quality control programs for market-ready products.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We work with clients in California, across the United States, and internationally through our global consulting network and online education platforms.
